Bonita Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.3 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
539.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.47
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Bonita, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Bonita | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -55% |
| Washing Machine | 7.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -41% |
| Water Heater | 8.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -43% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Bonita compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bonita, California | 177 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Chula Vista, California | 126.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| La Presa, California | 48.5 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| National City, California | 164.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Lemon Grove, California | 165.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Bonita compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bonita | 177 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Bonita's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Bonita, California, in San Diego County — a San Diego County unincorporated community adjacent to Chula Vista and National City in south coastal California — receives its water from the Sweetwater Authority, drawing from the Colorado River Aqueduct or Sweetwater Reservoir (San Diego County) through the south coastal California distribution.
The hard 177 mg/L hardness and TDS of 539.7 mg/L reflect the south coastal California San Diego County Colorado River supply's hard calcareous character — the Miocene Otay Formation calcareous contributions from the Colorado River aqueduct produce hard water typical of the south San Diego County communities (compare El Sobrante CA: 111/368 in Contra Costa County softer; Pedley CA: 227/771 in Riverside County harder on the Inland Empire Colorado River draw; Bonita in between). The Colorado River at San Diego County — Miocene Otay Formation (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Poway Group (insoluble — dilutant), and evaporative concentration (calcareous — primary TDS contributor).
At 177 mg/L with TDS 540, Bonita's water is hard. A water softener is recommended to prevent scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 7.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the San Diego County south coastal California military and industrial corridor contribute to Bonita's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Bonita in San Diego County draws from the Sweetwater Authority on the Colorado River Aqueduct or Sweetwater Reservoir (San Diego County, south coastal California) — the Colorado River at San Diego County is developed in Miocene Otay Formation (calcareous) and Cretaceous Poway Group (insoluble) — California San Diego County Colorado River-Sweetwater Miocene coastal supply produces hard water at 177 mg/L with TDS 539.7 mg/L.